Benjamin Carpenter, also known as Abu Hamza, was sentenced to 20 years in prison followed by 20 years of supervised release for his role in supporting the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) through the production and distribution of propaganda.
Carpenter, 34, led Ahlut-Tawhid Publications, a global network of ISIS supporters dedicated to spreading the terrorist group’s message. He published a weekly newsletter, From Dabiq to Rome, which glorified violence against the United States and its allies.
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“For years, this defendant led a global digital media operation to distribute pro-ISIS propaganda, promoting the group’s radical message of terror and pushing it to every corner of the world,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of this defendant’s conduct and the Justice Department’s commitment to identifying and holding accountable those who would provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations.”
In 2020 and 2021, Carpenter offered translation services to an individual he believed to be affiliated with ISIS, but who was actually an undercover FBI employee.
“Combating terrorism and keeping our communities safe are the highest priorities of the United States Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III for the Eastern District of Tennessee. “This case deals a serious blow to the expansion of ISIS and its broken message of hatred and senseless violence.”
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“With today’s sentencing, Carpenter is being held accountable for betraying his country and helping ISIS terrorists,” said Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “He led a propaganda machine which called for war against U.S. and allied forces through suicide bombings and other means. The FBI and our partners will relentlessly pursue and bring to justice terrorists who devote their lives to hurting American citizens.”
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